I. ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class — more at kin
Date: 14th century
1. : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2. : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group
the general equation of a straight line
3. : not confined by specialization or careful limitation
4. : belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic
5.
a. : applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent
b. : concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6. : relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details
bearing a general resemblance to the original
7. : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled
the general manager
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : something (as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2. : superior general
3. archaic : the general public : people
4.
a. : general officer
b. : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars — compare admiral
•
- in general